EARLALL’s participation at the Developing International Projects for Schools (DIPS) 2024
24/10/2024
On October 21, 2024, Noelia Cantero, Director of the EARLALL, delivered an inspiring keynote speech at the Developing International Projects for Schools (DIPS) 2024 training programme held in Brussels. Attended by over 150 delegates from across Europe, the event focused on the pivotal role of Erasmus+ programme in driving inclusion, diversity, and digital transformation in education.
Addressing a room filled with educational professionals and regional representatives, Ms. Cantero highlighted the strategic role of regions and local authorities in shaping lifelong learning opportunities. She underlined that EARLALL, with its extensive network of 11 regions and 7 associate members, plays a crucial role in facilitating collaboration and policy-making for inclusive, sustainable, and future-proof educational initiatives.
Ms. Cantero’s speech delved into Europe’s pressing skills gap, quoting reports from President-elect Ursula von der Leyen’s Political Guidelines for the 2024-2029 Commission and “The future of European competitiveness” report by Mario Draghi, which both highlighted the urgent need to address skills shortages across various sectors. With 60 million low-qualified adults and nearly 70% of companies citing a lack of skills as a barrier to growth, the future of Europe’s competitiveness and social cohesion depends on coordinated educational strategies.
Erasmus+ has been a cornerstone in promoting educational exchanges, and Ms. Cantero emphasized its transformative potential in the coming years. She pointed out that the program not only fosters international collaboration but also strengthens ties between regions, allowing them to share best practices and innovate locally to improve their own educational strategies.
She outlined how EARLALL is committed to leveraging Erasmus+ to address key issues, such as youth unemployment, gender equality, and green education, while enhancing the attractiveness of vocational education and training (VET). By focusing on underrepresented learners, local outreach, and digital transformation, EARLALL aims to empower learners from all backgrounds to participate in Europe’s future.
A major theme of the speech was the critical importance of regional collaboration. Ms. Cantero shared examples from EARLALL’s ongoing projects, including the Regional Pact for Skills, which promotes increased mobility and lifelong learning opportunities for VET and adult learners. The Pact, she noted, is a prime example of how cross-regional partnerships can provide scalable solutions to shared challenges.
“We are uniquely positioned to make a difference because we are in direct contact with citizens, educational institutions, and the business community,” Ms. Cantero said. “By working together, we can ensure that no one is left behind as we navigate Europe’s skills revolution.” She further encouraged the regions to lead by example, leveraging technical and institutional capacity-building to create ecosystems where learners of all ages and backgrounds can thrive. Through innovative projects and partnerships, regional authorities can foster environments that promote mutual trust, inclusion, and sustainable development.
Ms. Cantero concluded her speech by outlining EARLALL’s strategic priorities for 2023-2028. These include increasing the participation of underrepresented learners, reskilling workers in the face of digitalization, and improving the retention rates in challenging professions, particularly in VET. By evaluating current EU funding programs and preparing for the Multiannual Financial Framework post-2027, EARLALL is poised to drive forward its agenda for more inclusive and accessible education across Europe.
As the DIPS 2024 event continued, delegates were energized by Ms. Cantero’s call to action, recognizing that international cooperation at the regional level is essential for a prosperous and inclusive future for all European citizens.
